University acknowledges chocolate milk study ‘shortcomings’

NEWYORK>> The University of Maryland on Friday acknowledged the “shortcomings” of its study that touted the benefits of a small company’s chocolate milk in helping high school athletes.

The university said it is pursuing a “swift and comprehensive response” that includes changes to its research procedures and the removal of press releases about Fifth Quarter milk fromits website. The school is also returning funding to the maker of the chocolate milk.

The school had launched an internal investigation after being criticized for a questionable press release in December, which appeared to underscore conflicts-of-interest that can arise when companies back scientific research about their products. The release said a preliminary study showed Fifth Quarter’s milk helped improve the cognitive and motor functions of high school football players, even after suffering concussions.

The study was funded through a university program intended to boost Maryland’s economy by partnering local businesses with researchers.

In July, another press release had declared that Fifth Quarter’s milk outperformed competing products in aiding post-exercise recovery. The details of the studieswere notmade available, despite the press releases touting the product.